RESEARCH PROJECT SUMMARIES CURRENT

Title: "Joint Contact Pressures After Osteochondral Allograft"
Principal Investigator: Dr. Wickiewicz
Objective: This study will evaluate the difference between a small osteochondral graft and a large osteochondral graft for patients who have articular cartilage defects.
Benefit: This study will help the surgeon determine the best graft size for a patient that will allow for better distribution of contact pressures. Good contact pressures and weight distribution will help prevent long-term arthritic problems.

Title: "The Role of Osteoprotegerin in Tendon to Bone Healing"
Principal Investigator: Dr. Scott Rodeo
Objective: This study examines the molecule osteoprotegerin which, if found in large quantities, will reduce bone resorption and aid in healing after ACL reconstruction using a hamstring graft.
Benefit: By improving our understanding of how tissues adhere to bone, novel ways will be developed that will reduce the risk of graft failure following hamstring ACL reconstruction.

Title: "Anatomical Characterization of the Distal Femoral Epiphysis in the Skeletally Immature Individual Using MRI Imaging Techniques"
Principal Investigator: Dr. Russell Warren, Dr. Hollis Potter
Objective: The main objective of this study is to better characterize the anatomy of end of the thighbone (femur) in adolescents by using MRI.
Benefit: This knowledge will be applied to improve upon surgical treatments for afflictions in this area in children.

Title: "Tissue Engineering a Synthetic Ligament"
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jo Hannafin
Objective: This study proposes to engineer a synthetic anterior cruciate ligament that will be used as a replacement for the currently used cadaver donor graft or the graft taken from the patients own tissue.
Benefit: Over 150,000 ACL reconstruction's were performed in the US last year using the standard techniques available today. Autograft (the patient's own tissue) procedures cause significant donor site morbidity while allograft (cadaver tissue) is costly and not readily available. By engineering a synthetic ligament that will act as a scaffold for host tissue in-growth, patients will heal more rapidly and suffer fewer post-operative complications.

Title: "The Influence of Inferior Rotator Cuff Co-contraction on Glenohumeral Stability in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears"
Principal Investigator: Dr. Edward Craig
Objective: This project investigates the role of the inferior rotator cuff in improving the stability of the shoulder.
Benefits: Treatment varies widely for massive rotator cuff tears. This study will enable the physician to prescribe the best treatment whether it is surgical or rehabilitaion.

Title: "Cadaveric Study of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Elbow"
Principal Investigator: Dr. David Altchek
Objective: This study will evaluate the optimal tunnel position on the upper arm bone (humerus) during MCL reconstruction.
Benefit: Incorrect arm positioning after surgery can place excessive strain on the newly reconstructed ligament. This study will allow the surgeon to tell the patient and the patient's physical therapist exactly what positions are allowed and during what phase of the rehabiltation.